Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), in collaboration with Emirates Foundation, has launched the 'Neighbourhood Volunteer Teams' initiative. The program aims to increase volunteerism across the emirate by providing a structured environment that fosters community engagement and mutual support.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative is part of the department's efforts to enhance volunteering opportunities in Abu Dhabi, enabling residents to contribute actively to their communities. It encourages local involvement and helps residents play a more significant role in their neighbourhoods.
The initiative forms local volunteer teams led by community residents, promoting social responsibility while reinforcing unity. Initially, the program will cover five areas: Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Al Rahba, Al Falah, Al Riyadh, and Al Shawamekh.
The initiative plans to expand gradually, establishing volunteer teams in various areas of Abu Dhabi to ensure long-term impact and wider community participation. It allows individuals to form teams within their neighbourhoods, promoting community-led initiatives and supporting their growth.
DCD highlighted that the number of volunteers in each area will depend on community needs and participation levels. Team members and leaders are selected based on specific criteria, including interviews conducted with Emirates Foundation, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles.
The initiative also permits government, private, and third sector organisations to collaborate with these teams to deliver community projects at the neighbourhood level, enabling direct resident interaction and better responses to local needs.
The teams engage in a variety of activities, such as organising community events, conducting awareness workshops, gathering community data, and identifying residents' needs through surveys and direct engagement. They also contribute to field studies to understand social challenges and available services better.
Additionally, the initiative strengthens community engagement by raising awareness of programmes and services, particularly among priority groups. It serves as a link between residents and relevant entities, fostering trust and improving coordination while supporting new initiatives and addressing emerging community needs.
Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Empowerment Sector at DCD, expressed that the initiative is a significant advancement in empowering community members to take an active role in developing their neighbourhoods and making a positive impact.
Emirates Foundation plays a vital role in preparing volunteer teams through specialised training programmes such as emergency response, first aid, and crisis management under the SANID initiative, enhancing community safety.
The foundation also assists in selecting suitable candidates and developing tailored volunteering opportunities based on specific needs.
In strengthening the teams' readiness, their initial volunteer engagement during the pilot phase was through the 'Degayeg' initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi DCD in collaboration with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. This was the team's first practical volunteering experience, enabling members to apply their skills, engage with the community directly, and promote healthier and more active lifestyles.